On my flight back to California on Sunday morning, I was joined by former Washington Huskies running back Chris Polk who was probably flying back home to prepare for the NFL Draft. I got the chance to talk to him once we landed in Ontario, and let me say what a class act. He gladly shook my hand as I told him what a privilege it was to watch him play at UW for the last 3 years and wished him the best of luck in the NFL.
Here is a look at what Chris Polk accomplished in his time playing at UW.
Polk started in 2008 as a true freshman but was injured the second week of the season and was granted a medical redshirt. He was one of 12 true freshman to play in 2008 and one of 9 to start at least one game.
In 2009, Chris Polk had the best season by a freshman running back in Washington football history. He was the first Husky running back to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season, rushing for 1,113 yards on 226 carries. He rushed for 5 100-yard games on the season, including 4 in a row. He was named a second-team Freshman All-American and first-team Freshman All-Pac-10.
In 2010, Polk started all 13 games at tailback for the Huskies. He became only the third player in UW history to have multiple 1,000 yard rushing seasons, joining Greg Lewis and Napoleon Kaufman. He finished the season with 1,415 yards, which was the second most in UW history. He also put together the second best rushing performance in school history with 284 yards and 2 touchdowns on 29 carries in the Apple Cup victory over Washington State. Polk lead the Huskies to their first bowl game in 8 seasons when they were paired up with Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl. He was was named the games offensive MVP, rushing for 177 yards and one touchdown on a career-high 34 carries. Chris Polk was also named to the All-Pac-10 second team as well as the 950 KJR Most Valuable Offensive Player award at the team banquet.
2011, Chris Polk's final year at tailback for the Huskies. He again started all 13 games for the Dawgs and had the second best year at tailback in Washington history, rushing for 1,488 yards on 293 carries with 12 rushing touchdowns. This is second only to former Huskies running back Napoleon Kaufman. He had 16 total touchdowns (rushing and receiving) which was tied for fifth most in UW single-season history. He also finished second in career yards (4,049), first in career caries (799) and tied for eighth in career rushing TDs (26). He was one of only seven players in Pac-12 Conference history to top 4,000 yards rushing. 2011 also brought what may have been Polk's best game as a Husky against Arizona. Polk ran for 144 yards and 4 touchdowns on a season-high 34 carries which included 2 game deciding scores at the end of the game to seal the victory. He also caught 4 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown, becoming the first player in school history to rush and receive for 100 yards in a game. His four touchdowns on the ground and one through the air also ties the school record for TD's in a game with 5. He was named first-team All Pac 12, honorable mention All-America from Sports Illustrated, Doak Walker Award semi-finalist, and Sports Radio KJR Most Outstanding Offensive Player at the postseason team banquet for the third straight season.
All in all, myself as well as all of Husky nation are extremely grateful for all Chris Polk has done for Washington Football and all the highlight reel, bone crushing runs he has made in his 3 years playing for the Dawgs. May you have the best of luck in the NFL and continue your success at the next level!
Nate Hostetter and all of Husky nation
The news breaking around 11:30am today that Josh Hamilton had agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Angels once again marked a failure on the Mariners part to sign a big name free agent. Last year it was Prince Fielder, and this year it is Josh Hamilton. Granted last year the Mariners weren't really in the conversation for Fielder, but this year it seriously looked like the M's would reel in Hamilton, they just didn't get it done.
